Plastic solutions that meet the high demands of the aerospace industry

At Ensinger we have many years of experience combining technical and commercial understanding, to meet the high demands on materials and solutions for the aerospace industry. Technical and high performance aerospace plastics contribute to making applications more efficient and competitive in many areas of industry.

The characteristics of Ensinger's high-performance and engineering plastic materials meet the technical requirements for many of the systems and subsystems used in today’s ultra-modern advanced composite aircraft. The advantages of using lower weight materials for producing fuel efficient and low emission aircraft are clear, but there may also be benefits gained from the longer service life of components. Additionally, our aerospace materials are not affected by corrosion in the aviation operating environment.

The impressive properties of high performance plastics include their low weight and high strength. Significant weight savings can be achieved by switching from aluminum or steel, since many of our high performance polymers have a density of around 1.3 g/cm3. In comparison, aluminum has a density more than twice that at 2.7 g/cm3.

Aircraft material solutions

Working in close cooperation with many of the leading aerospace companies and system manufacturers, Ensinger's team has established an impressive track record over many years as an aerospace supplier, developing optimum high performance plastic solutions, approved for use in the aviation industry. Ensinger's experience in the industry includes working with the industry's preferred Tier 1 suppliers.

Ensinger supplies a vast range of airplane components that are used in aircraft landing gear systems. All of the aircraft manufacturers are seeking to benefit from the use of polymers where metal alloys were often previously used. We have a wide range of materials that are tested and approved in accordance with aerospace manufacturer's specific specifications. Furthermore, Ensinger's materials can be tested, certified and approved to meet your particular, high tech requirements – from raw material inspection through to final inspection of the machined or semi finished aerospace components.

Solutions for the space industry

As a supplier to the space industry, Ensinger plastics are specified for many applications. In satellites, parts are used for applications such as solar array deployment systems, cable insulating blocks and platform systems.

Ensinger materials undergo the specific testing required by the end user to meet their arduous requirements for aerospace supply. Typical requirements met by Ensinger materials supplied to the space industry are high strength under severe vibration, low/ultra-low outgassing in vacuum, and resistance to high radiation levels. Ensinger has experience working with companies such as Airbus Defense and Space as well as with several space institutes/universities.

Benefits FOR Aerospace

AS/EN-9100 expertise at your disposal

While Ensinger does not machine parts in the U.S., Ensinger has three machine shops in Europe involved in machining parts for the aerospace industry. The machine shops are located in France, the UK and Germany. Two of the machine shops are certified according to AS/EN-9100.

You get what you need

Through our nation-wide distributor and fabricator network, Ensinger can provide for the production of complex machined parts, meeting strict standards of tolerance and surface finish.

Plug and play

Our global team of highly skilled staff will make sure that your components, however complex, arrive with you fit for purpose.

When the going gets tough

Outdoor applications are exposed to strong weather influences. With a weatherproof and UV resistant plastic material, which can withstand the negative impact of ultra-violet rays, the lifetime of the application is prolonged.

Optimised operating economy

Finished parts do not need additional protective treatment - correctly selected materials are resistant to all of the main greases and fuels used and are not prone to corrosion in the operating environment.

On time in full

Cost effective in production, because your parts can be manufactured from readily available stock, which are produced commercially in high volumes, with short lead times.

Solutions for Aerospace

Strong materials

When selecting aerospace plastics, specific strength is a key indicator for high mechanical performance materials. This determines the tensile strength of a material relative to its density and indicates the strength-to-weight ratio.

Radiation resistant plastics

Depending on their field of application, plastics may come into contact with different types of radiation. Applications such as outer plane covers or satellite parts are examples of applications where radiation resistance is important.

Delrin 150 (POM-H) is a homopolymer acetal that is manufactured by Ensinger under the trade name TECAFORM AD natural (outside the U.S.). This homopolymer acetal has exceptional sliding characteristics and good wear resistance properties.

Aerospace CASE STUDIES

Thermal spacer

Ensingers TECASINT material is part of Europe's first mission to Mercury with BepiColombo. The spacecraft for the mission are dependent on the function of the thermal control system (TCS), which keeps all the spacecraft's component systems within an acceptable temperature range during every phase of the mission. One part of the TCS is a thermal spacer, which functions as a barrier to high temperatures and radiation. This thermal spacer is a ring shaped plate made of TECASINT.

Greaser Plug

Aircraft landing gear supports the entire weight of an aircraft during landing and ground operations. All of the articulating struts and rods in the landing gear require lubrication to ensure safe operation. Grease is retained in each of these articulating struts and rods by the greaser plug made of TECAFORM AD (POM-H) from Ensinger.

Electric braking system

In modern passenger aircraft, the use of electric braking systems is considered to reduce maintenance and improve reliability.The engineering challenges to manufacturing these new systems require the Polymers used to have greater wear and load-bearing properties. These properties are met by TECAPEEK PVX.

Generally speaking, the classification impacts on the processes used for component approval. This is set out in the basic Regulation 216/2008 under CS - 25: which has been adopted from the FAA. The POA holder (manufacturing company) is responsible for component classification. Here, classification and the necessary agreements / notifications must take place at the Aviation Agency.

Only the contractual rulings between the manufacturing company and supplier have to be adhered to for aviation-specific applications. More information on this is provided in this brochure under Quality Management / Rules and Regulations.

Statutory regulations only apply to aviation-approved corporations. All other points have to be regulated in supply agreements. Consequently, the customer is required to inform its supplier of a change to the requirements by amending the supply agreements. There is no explicit duty of notification on the part of the customer. However, where applicable, the customer is required to adjust its specifications / supply agreements with the supplier.

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